VDM Verlag Creativity, Dementia and the Therapeutic Environment - Interdisciplinary Research of Creative Expression Abilities in Seniors with Dementia and the ... Design of Their Therapeutic Environment

This book aims to explore the physical environment and the level of success of creative expression programs for seniors with mild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia. It focuses on the circumstances that enhance or limit the seniors' ability to express themselves creatively. Understanding the physical, cognitive and social abilities of this population helps define the strategies for designing the shape and form of the physical environment. With appropriate architectural planning and design, such environments have the potential to attract seniors with dementia to stay in the space and become engaged in creative expression activities. But the space alone is not enough to engage the seniors. Success in implementing a creative expression program is linked strongly with an understanding of the seniors? physical and cognitive abilities and with the commitment of the facilitator to adopt a flexible approach to each individual. This book is based on qualitative research conducted with seniors at two adult day care centres. It will be of interest to health professionals, architects and designers, care providers, administrators of care facilities and families of people with dementia.